"He leads me beside waters of rest. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake."

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Word Of God

God has spoken and His voice reaches the heart. It makes itself heard above the din and confusion of this world, and the strife and controversy of professing Christians. It gives rest and peace, strength and fixedness to the believing heart and mind. The opinions of men may perplex and confound — we may not be able to thread our way through the labyrinths of human systems of theology: but God’s voice speaks in Holy Scripture — speaks to the heart — speaks to me. This is life and peace. It is all I want. Human writings may go now for what they are worth, seeing I have all I want in the ever-flowing fountain of inspiration — the peerless, precious volume of my God.

Note: I believe it was Tommy Ice who mentioned that God’s people showed such a

desire for expository preaching that they flooded the conferences in the early 1900s.

It was this pursuit of God’s Word that eventually caused the need for more Bible teachersand preachers and brought about the founding of Dallas Theological Seminary and otherlike- Bible schools. As Dr. John Mitchell said, God will provide truth to feed His people. lkp

“The faithful exposition of the Word of God powerfully transforms lives. This was never more true than in the preaching ministry by the so-called “Plymouth Brethren” 150 years ago. Men of God such as Henry Moorhouse, William Kelly, C.H. Macintosh, and R.C. Chapman were exceptionally gifted expositors of the Bible. C.H. Spurgeon commented that R.C. Chapman, was one of the godliest and most gifted expositors in England. “Brethren” Bible conferences in North America and Great Britain attracted overflowing crowds of serious Christians.

The Legacy of Expository Preaching

Of all the contributions of the so-called “Plymouth Brethren” movement to the evangelical church, it may be that expository preaching is its most enduring legacy. Expository preaching had fallen into disfavor at this time. Most ministers preached topically or textually, using one text or verse and then building a sermon around the theme of the verse. The “Plymouth Brethren” did not follow this method, but introduced a verse-by-verse, chapter-by-chapter consecutivemethod of Scripture exposition. Moreover, they preached the Bible as one unified book. They

demonstrated that the prophecies of the Old Testament and the teaching of the New Testament could not be isolated from one another; rather, both were essential to a proper understanding of the Bible. They took seriously the historical-grammatic method of interpretation of Scripture, and labored in the exposition of types, dispensations, and prophecies of the Bible. They were recognized as authorities on the original languages of the Scriptures, trends within theology, and biblical

history and culture. This style of preaching was a refreshing change, stimulating spiritual growth and stirring great interest in the Scriptures. This unique approach virtually transformed the method in which the Bible was proclaimed and has influenced expository preaching well into our present day. The efforts of these Brethren expositors had a significant impact on L.S. Chafer, H.A. Ironside,

and the founders of Dallas Theological Seminary and Moody Bible Institute, influencing the expository preaching of a whole new generation.

The Importance of Expository Preaching

As expository preaching was given great emphasis by the early “Plymouth Brethren,” leading evangelical preachers on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean were quick to see its great importance. As expository preaching began to gain acceptance, the spiritual lives of many Christians were revitalized. This expository preaching movement may have contributed in part to the deep interest in the Scofield Reference Bible, the surge in missionary interest, and the Bible Prophecy

Conference Movement of the late 1800s. How does expository preaching transform lives?

Why is expository preaching so important? Alfred P. Gibbs, the author of The Preavcher and His Preaching, explains the importance of expository preaching:

“Expository preaching puts the supreme emphasis on the Word of God. It magnifies the Word of God, and gives it the place of supreme authority…this type of preaching serves the far better purpose of edifying the people of God as the Scriptures are applied to their everyday lives. It provides an opportunity for speaking on many passages that would otherwise be neglected. By means of this method of preaching little known truths will be given their rightful place, and it will be demonstrated

that all Scripture is essential to furnish the man of God. The well-placed emphasis on expository preaching is a great tool in the hand of God for spiritual renewal.”

The Challenge of Expository Preaching

These human messengers of the oracles of God were powerfully gripped by the realization that they were handling divine truth. Therefore, faithfulness and spiritual care were essential in setting forth the truths of the Scriptures. Many hours of careful study were devoted to understanding

the truth of God. These expositors, armed with the Word of God in their hearts and skilled with gift from above, brought untold blessing to many. Many were challenged by the godliness of their character, the breadth of their knowledge of the holy Word, and their commitment to the truth of God at all costs. Many who heard their ministry were changed forever. Expository preaching is theappointed way of bringing men and women face to face with the truths of God’s Word. It is God’s

method of faithfully proclaiming the whole counsel of God and fully furnishing believers for service. The apostle Paul exhorts Timothy, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine”

(2 Tim. 4:2). May we take up this important challenge to passionately preach the Word of God, to proclaim it expositionally, and to faithfullymake the truth of God known to a new generation!

> “Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you – He Himself, although He may use various channels and instruments; it may be Paul, or Cephas, or Apollos; it may be affliction or prosperity; it may be through the voice of Nature or of Providence; it may be through the Word or the example of a Christian; yet it is God Himself. But of all instruments and channels the written Word is of the utmost importance; it stands supreme. It is through Scripture, eminently, that God draws nigh to the soul.”

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THE CHRISTIAN LIFE

THE CHRISTIAN LIFE

"The Christian life is not our living a life like Christ, or our trying to be Christ-like, nor is it Christ giving us the power to live a life like His; but it is Christ Him-self living His own life through us; 'no longer I, but Christ.'"
Miles J. Stanford

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WHERE TO FIND IT

Please scroll down to "Categories" just below this notice where you will find a 'drop down' index of both categories and authors. Placing the authors in this list will take some time so please be patient.

NORTHWEST BIBLE BOOKSHELF

NORTHWEST BIBLE BOOKSHELF is where we put the longer articles for DISPENSATIONALWOMAN. They are meant for the reader who has a bit more time and desires reading something by one of these authors.
http://thedeepertruths.wordpress.com

SPIRITUAL SHARING SERVICE

"Since Tri-S (By Miles J. Stanford) is a sharing service, we naturally encourage you to share with others. It has been said by Charles Stanley (1800's), 'No Christian can prosper in his own soul unless he is seeking the welfare of others.'

There is no conflict between the OLD and the NEW;
The conflict is between the FALSE and the TRUE."

Miles J. Stanford (in Tri-S 1)

Miles, in the Tri-S series, encouraged his readers to share his material that he spent a life time compiling. We intend to follow his wishes. In telephone conversations, he reiterated this point. lkp